Man who shoved 82-year-old woman onto subway tracks sentenced to 15 years
QUEENS, NY — A man who pushed an elderly woman onto subway tracks in a shocking unprovoked attack at a busy Queens station will spend the next 15 years behind bars, prosecutors said.
Brandon Harris, 36, of Flushing, was sentenced after pleading guilty to attempted murder in connection with the October incident that left an 82-year-old woman with severe, life-threatening injuries.
Authorities said the victim had just exited a 7 train with her husband at the Flushing-Main Street station and was walking along the platform when Harris suddenly shoved her into an open gap between train cars, sending her onto the tracks.
The woman suffered a head laceration and fractured vertebrae that required surgery. Officials said it was “a miracle she survived.”
After the attack, Harris left the platform and approached an officer in the station, reportedly saying someone had been knocked onto the train.
Later that day, officers responding to a separate call about an emotionally disturbed person encountered Harris again. He was wearing the same clothing seen during the incident and was subsequently identified as the suspect.
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz condemned the attack, emphasizing the importance of safety in the city’s transit system.
“The safety of straphangers who rely on our mass transit system is not optional — it is essential,” Katz said.
Harris was sentenced to 15 years in prison followed by five years of post-release supervision.
Key Points
- Man sentenced to 15 years for pushing 82-year-old onto subway tracks
- Victim suffered serious injuries including fractured vertebrae
- Attack happened at Flushing-Main Street station in Queens